Managing power source interaction through an interconnect socket adapter configured with an energy storage source/sink

ABSTRACT

Interconnection meter socket adapters are provided. An interconnection meter socket adapter comprises a housing enclosing a set of electrical connections. The interconnection meter socket adapter may be configured to be coupled to a standard distribution panel and a standard electric meter, thereby establishing connections between a distribution panel and a user such that electrical power may be delivered to the user while an electrical meter measures the power consumption of the user. A power regulation module is disposed between the interconnection meter socket adapter, and configured to selectively connect one or more energy sources or energy sinks.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/140,382, filed Apr. 27, 2016, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 14/796,902, filed on Jul. 10, 2015, which isa continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/472,269,filed on Aug. 28, 2014, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/871,090 filed on Aug. 28, 2013, each of which ishereby incorporated herein by reference in the respective entirety ofeach.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to electrical components, and moreparticularly, some embodiments relate to interconnection meter socketadapters for connecting various energy sources and sinks (loads) to apower system without changing an existing distribution panel.

BACKGROUND

A distribution panel is the hub where an electrical power feed isdivided into subsidiary circuits. Typically, distribution panels ofdifferent capacities (e.g., 400 Amps and smaller) are installed to homesdepending on their electrical usage needs. Power carried by theelectrical power feed is distributed to the loads via the distributionpanel. Therefore, a contemplated increased load that results in moreelectrical current flowing through the distribution panel may requirechanging an existing distribution panel to accommodate the currentchange (increase). Furthermore, with the emergence of renewable energysources, a user that traditionally consumes electrical power may provideelectrical power into a distribution grid at certain times. Theadditional circuit capacity required to accommodate this back feed ofenergy may exceed the current capacity of an existing distributionpanel, requiring the existing distribution panel to be upgraded to thenext standard capacity. The need to apply energy sources and/or sinks,including energy storage, may drive the need for such work.

In many cases, there is no physical room in the distribution panel formore circuits. A distribution panel is limited to a certain amount ofelectrical circuits (i.e. breaker positions). New circuits may be addedif there are unused breaker positions in the existing distributionpanel; otherwise, the existing distribution panel needs to be replacedby a distribution panel with a larger capacity, which will provideadditional breaker positions. Even if spare breaker positions exist, theprojected load calculated considering the mix of circuits and equipmentalready served by the panel, may dictate that an upgrade be performed.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE EMBODIMENTS

According to various embodiments of the disclosed technology, a systemfor connecting multiple electrical devices to an electrical power gridis provided, comprising an interconnection meter socket adapter having ahousing enclosing a set of electrical connections. The interconnectionmeter socket adapter may be configured to be coupled to a standarddistribution panel and a standard electrical meter. A power regulationmodule coupled to a connector enables a plurality of electrical sourcesand/or sinks to be connected to the interconnection meter socketadapter. In various embodiments, the power regulation module may includeone or more switches that may be disabled or enabled according to thenet power consumption of the customer. The power regulation module mayobtain data on the net power consumption (from customer loads and powersources and/or sinks connected to the power regulation module) anddetermine which of the plurality of connected electrical devices(sources and/or sinks) to allow to connect to the power grid.

Other features and aspects of the invention will become apparent fromthe following detailed description, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the featuresin accordance with embodiments of the invention. The summary is notintended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined solely bythe claims attached hereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The technology disclosed herein, in accordance with one or more variousembodiments, is described in detail with reference to the followingfigures. The drawings are provided for purposes of illustration only andmerely depict typical or example embodiments of the disclosedtechnology. These drawings are provided to facilitate the reader'sunderstanding of the disclosed technology and shall not be consideredlimiting of the breadth, scope, or applicability thereof. It should benoted that for clarity and ease of illustration these drawings are notnecessarily made to scale.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example installation of aninterconnection meter socket adapter, in accordance with embodimentsdisclosed herein.

FIG. 2A illustrates an example interconnection meter socket adapter inaccordance with an embodiment, in accordance with embodiments disclosedherein.

FIG. 2B illustrates an example circuit diagram of an interconnectionmeter socket adapter in a load-side configuration, in accordance withembodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 3A is a front view illustrating the physical electrical wiring ofthe interconnection meter socket adapter of FIG. 2A, in accordance withembodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 3B is a rear view illustrating the physical electrical wiring ofthe interconnection meter socket adapter of FIG. 2A, in accordance withembodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 4 is an one-line diagram illustrating an example installation of aninterconnection meter socket adapter with a line side (source)connection at the meter, in accordance with embodiments disclosedherein.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example circuit diagram of an interconnectionmeter socket adapter with a line-side configuration, in accordance withembodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example installation of aninterconnection meter socket adapter providing telemetered data coupledto an example of an electrical sink, in accordance with embodimentsdisclosed herein.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example installation of aninterconnection meter socket adapter providing telemetered data from anexample of a renewable distribution resource, in accordance withembodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example process for managing power consumption byan energy sink, along with power consumption of user loads, inaccordance with embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example process for managing power interaction fora combined energy source/sink (e.g., a storage battery), in accordancewith embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example installation of aninterconnection meter socket adapter coupled to an energy sink andenergy source, in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 11 illustrates an energy exchange system for controllingconsumer-based energy consumption or production based on market supplyand demand, consistent with embodiments disclosed herein.

FIG. 12 illustrates a process for determining current energy pricingbased on supply and demand, consistent with embodiments disclosedherein.

FIG. 13 illustrates a process for controlling power consumptionaccording to current price, consistent with embodiments disclosedherein.

FIG. 14 illustrates an example computing module that may be used inimplementing various features of embodiments disclosed herein.

The figures are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the inventionto the precise form disclosed. The figures are not drawn to scale. Itshould be understood that the disclosed technology can be practiced withmodification and alteration, and that the disclosed technology belimited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Conventionally, when introducing renewable and/or distributed energysuch as solar energy, fuel cells, wind energy, and energy storage, aDC-AC inverter is needed to interface the renewable and/or distributedenergy to AC energy so that the energy resource may be coupled to anelectrical power system (i.e., a power grid). Even after consideringlocal loads, and especially in the case of energy storage, this maycause a large amount of current exchanged with the distribution powergrid, which may require an existing distribution panel to be changed.Some existing technologies such as hard wired adapters are not allowedin many utility service areas as they do not meet service standards dueto customer wiring in the utility space behind the meter. There are alsophysical clearance constraints and requirements related to gas metersets that limit the use of adapters. In addition, these hard wiredadapters require a professional, qualified electrician for removal orinstallation, and also lack the ability to monitor bi-directional powerflow in real time. Only the net amount between generation andconsumption is measured, e.g., by the existing utility revenue meter.

Interconnection meter socket adapters are provided. Various embodimentsmay be under utility seal and ownership. Customer (considering thedistinction between customer wiring, and utility conductors) wiring(which are separate from utility conductors) behind the meter isavoided, which allows a utility company to own and maintain theconnection all the way up to the customer's main disconnecting means. Inone embodiment, an interconnection meter socket adapter comprises ahousing enclosing a set of electrical connections. The interconnectionmeter socket adapter may be configured to be coupled to a standarddistribution panel and a standard, self-contained electrical meter.Various embodiments may establish connections between a distributionpanel and a user such that electrical power may be delivered to the userwhile an electrical meter may still measure the power consumption of theuser.

In addition, various embodiments are configured to be coupled to a DC-ACinverter, which may be coupled to various energy sources, orsource/sinks. As such, the energy sources are coupled to an electricalpower system. In some embodiments, a connector such as a flexible cable(e.g., to a length of six feet or more to allow clearance from otherdevices such as gas meter sets) or flexible conduit containing insulatedwires may be provided. Therefore, an interconnection meter socketadapter may be installed far enough away from a gas riser therebymeeting service standards for clearance. Further embodiments maycomprise a measurement module for monitoring the bi-directional powerflow through an interconnection meter socket adapter. That is, the powerconsumption of the user and/or an energy sink as well as the energygeneration of an energy source may be monitored. The real-time data maybe provided by a communication module and used for electrical powersystem planning and/or operating purposes, and for other purposes.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example installation 100 of aninterconnection meter socket adapter 103, in accordance with anembodiment of the disclosure. In the illustrated example, customer loads109 are coupled to a power distribution grid 101. As illustrated, theinterconnection meter socket adapter 103 is installed between theutility revenue meter 102 and an existing customer main breaker 104. Theinterconnection meter socket adapter 103 may allow the energy source andthe energy sink to connect to the power distribution grid 101 withoutchanging or upgrading the distribution panel.

The interconnection meter socket adapter 103 electrically bypasses theentire breaker and buswork section of a distribution panel. Theinterconnection meter socket adapter 103 is installed electricallybetween existing main breaker 104 and the utility revenue meter 102. Invarious embodiments, the interconnection meter socket adapter 103 iscylindrical. An interconnection meter socket adapter 103 may mimic theconnector arrangement of a revenue meter on one side, and the connectorarrangement of the customer main panel on the other side. Theinterconnection meter socket adapter 103 may be installed under utilityseals. The interconnection meter socket adapter 103 comprises a busworkinternal to the cylinder or other housing that couples the inverter 108to a tap on the load side of the utility revenue meter 102, whilemaintaining the connectivity of existing customer loads. Continuousconnectivity is thereby maintained between the power distribution grid101 and the customer's permanent main breaker 104 and the branchcircuits (loads 109) of the customer distribution panel 105.

The interconnection meter socket adapter 103 may provide a separableconnector 106. The connector 106 may include a flexible cable orflexible conduit containing insulated wires. The separable connector 106couples the energy source and/or the energy sink to the power grid 101.A DC-AC inverter 108 is coupled to an energy source/sink (e.g., solarenergy, wind energy, energy storage, fuel cells, or any other source)(not shown) and the separable connector 106, which is coupled to theinterconnection meter socket adapter 103. By converting the DC energygenerated by the energy source into AC energy, the DC-AC inverter 108injects real and/or reactive power flow into the power grid 101. In someembodiments, the separable connector 106 may also be coupled to anenergy sink (e.g., an electric vehicle charging system, or other energystorage device), with the inverter operating as a rectifier, convertingAC to DC energy. In some embodiments, an interconnection meter socketadapter 103 may comprise a breaker 107, which is coupled to theseparable connector 106. The breaker 107 may be a resettable overcurrent or other breaker protection device. The breaker 107 may be sizedappropriately according to the National Electric Code (NEC).

In further embodiments, an interconnection meter socket adapter 103 maycomprise a measurement module and a communication module. Thecommunication module may be coupled to the measurement module. Themeasurement module may monitor the bidirectional real and reactive powerflow through the interconnection meter socket adapter 103. Themeasurement may be provided to a customer and/or a utility company forload and/or generation monitoring. The communication module may providethe measurement to a data collection device, including a central serveror other data handling medium.

FIG. 2A-2B illustrates an exemplary interconnection meter socket adapteras well as its circuit diagram in accordance with an embodiment. FIG. 2Aillustrates an exemplary interconnection meter socket adapter 200 inaccordance with an embodiment. The interconnection meter socket adapter200 may be installed physically between a meter 207 and a distributionpanel 206. By way of example, the meter 207 may be a standardelectricity meter that is either analog or digital. The meter 207 may beinstalled (e.g., plugged into) the distribution panel 206 directly. Theinterconnection meter socket adapter 200 may establish physicalconnectivity between the distribution panel 206, the meter 207, and acustomer, such that the customer (i.e. load) side of the meter 207 istapped. During operation, the meter 207 may still measure the net energyconsumption of a user. In some embodiments, the meter 207 may be pluggedinto the interconnection meter socket adapter 200 rather than beingplugged into the distribution panel 206. The interconnection metersocket adapter 200 comprises a set of jaw blades 201-204 (shown in FIG.3B), wherein each of the jaw blades 201-204 electrically couple to acorresponding contact clip disposed on the surface of the distributionpanel 206. The interconnection meter socket adapter 200 also comprises aset of sockets (shown in FIG. 3A), each socket contacting acorresponding clip, jaw blade or other contact of the meter 207.

In some embodiments, the interconnection meter socket adapter 200 iscylindrical and comprises flanges 208-209 (shown in FIG. 2A). In theillustrated example, the flange 208 is covered by a ring, togethersecuring the interconnection meter socket adapter 200 to thedistribution panel 206, when the meter socket adapter 200 is pluggedinto the distribution panel 206. The flange 209 and the ring 210 of themeter 207 fix the meter 207 to the interconnection meter socket adapter200. In some embodiments, the interconnection meter socket adapter 200may be utilized with “ringless” meter panels, where the meter is held inby the panel cover 206 a, which is then separately secured to theremainder of the distribution panel. For such embodiments, the panelcover 206 a may include an embossment within the panel cover 206 a,designed to secure the interconnection meter socket adapter 200 withoutthe need for a separate securing ring (e.g., ring 210). In addition, theinterconnection meter socket adapter 200 may include a coupler 211 towhich a connector assembly 205 may be coupled. In the illustratedexample, the coupler 211 is a receptacle to the connector assembly 205.In various embodiments, the connector 205 is affixed to a flexible cableor flexible conduit of various lengths containing insulated conductors,exiting the body of the interconnection meter adapter at variouspositions along the exterior of the device. One end of the conduit/cableand connector assembly 205 is coupled to the interconnection metersocket adapter 200 and the other end is coupled to the energy source orthe energy sink. As such, the energy source or an energy sink is coupledto the power grid via the interconnection meter socket adapter 200without changing or upgrading the distribution panel 206.

FIG. 2B is an example circuit diagram of an interconnection meter socketadapter 200. As illustrated, two phase wires (typically energizedbetween 200 and 250 Volts) couple the power grid 220 to the user 221 viaa distribution panel 206. Further, the connector assembly 205, which maybe coupled to an energy source or an energy sink, is coupled to theinterconnection meter socket adapter 200. By installing theinterconnection meter socket adapter 200 to the distribution panel 206,the connector assembly 205 and the user 221 are coupled in parallel,both of which may be coupled to the power grid 220. By installing themeter 207 to the interconnection meter socket adapter 200, the connector205 and the user 221 are coupled to the power grid 220. Theinterconnection meter socket adapter 200 is plugged into thedistribution panel 206 thereby making connections to the incoming wiresfrom the power grid 220. In various embodiments, such connections areestablished by fitting a set of jaw blades of the interconnection metersocket adapter 200 into the corresponding contact clip in thedistribution panel 206. The meter 207 is plugged into theinterconnection meter socket adapter 200 thereby making connections tothe incoming wires from a power grid 220 and the user 221 as well as theconnector assembly 205. In various embodiments, such connections areestablished by fitting a set of jaw blades on meter 207 intocorresponding contact clips in the interconnection meter socket adapter200.

Within the housing of the interconnection meter socket adapter 200, aset of connections are provided. When installed, the set of connectionsenable an energy source and/or an energy sink to be installed inparallel with a user such that no permanent change or upgraded isrequired in the distribution panel. In various embodiments, theconnector 205 may be a flexible cable or flexible conduit containinginsulated conductors serving as an interface for an inverter output. Theinverter may be disconnected in case of the need for panel or meterservice.

FIGS. 3A-3B are front and rear views, respectively, illustrating theelectrical wiring of the interconnection meter socket adapter 200 inaccordance with an embodiment. As illustrated, four wires enter theinterconnection meter socket adapter 200 including two phase wires 240,a neutral wire 242, and a ground wire 244. Phase wires 240 terminate onclips 250 that connect with jaw blades 203 and 204, and busbars 270 a,270 b. Typically, phase wires 240 are energized at 240V, but can beenergized at voltages ranging from 197 to 252 V, approximately. Neutralwire 242 and ground wire 244 terminate on the customer's electricalpanel ground bus. The interconnection meter socket adapter 200 caninclude a flexible conduit 260 that protects of the wires from weather.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example installation of aninterconnection meter socket adapter 402. In the illustrated example,the customer loads 109 are coupled to the power system distribution grid101. As illustrated, the interconnection meter socket adapter 402 iselectrically installed between the utility revenue meter 408 and powergrid 101, in contrast to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1 whereinthe interconnection meter socket adapter is electrically installedbetween the utility revenue meter 102 and the customer's distributionpanel main breaker 410. In either embodiment, the interconnection metersocket adapter 402 may allow an energy source or an energy sink 411 toconnect to the power grid 101 without changing or upgrading thedistribution panel.

Referring still to FIG. 4 and the embodiment illustrated therein, theinterconnection meter socket adapter 402 electrically bypasses theentire breaker and buswork section of a distribution panel. Theinterconnection meter socket adapter 402 may be cylindrical and maymechanically couple to the distribution panel on one side, and to theutility revenue meter on the other side. An interconnection meter socketadapter 402 may mimic the connector arrangement of a revenue meter onone side, and the connector arrangement of the customer main panel onthe other side, and may be installed under utility seals.

In some examples, the interconnection meter socket adapter 402 includesa set of jaw blades configured to make contact with the distributionpanel, such that the interconnection meter socket adapter may be easilycoupled to contact clips in the distribution panel, and may similarlycouple to the utility revenue meter 408. The interconnection metersocket adapter 402 may also incorporate an electrical coupler configuredto accept a connector. The electrical coupler, for example, maymechanically attach to a side collar of the interconnection meter socketadapter's housing, and in the present embodiment, may also detachablycouple to a connector. The electrical coupler, when attached to theconnector, also electrically couples the connector to the line side ofthe interconnection meter socket adapter 402. Interconnection metersocket adapter 402 may also include a breaker coupled between theelectrical coupler and the grid side of the meter.

The connector may, for example, include a cable harness that may coupleto an energy source or an energy sink. For example, an energy source maybe a renewable energy source, such as solar electric, wind or fuel cellenergy production system, or an energy storage system, that couples tothe connector through a DC-AC inverter or inverter/rectifier. The energysource may also be a conventional generator, or other non-renewableenergy source.

The interconnection meter socket adapter 402 may further include ameasurement module configured to measure power flow through theinterconnection meter socket adapter. For example, the measurementmodule may include a voltage and/or current meter, and/or otherelectrical measurement devices. The measurement module may also includea processor and a memory module to store voltage, current, and othermeasurements, and to generate a signal if power flow reaches apredetermined threshold value. The measurement module may furtherinclude a communications module that may transmit the signal to areceiver unit. For example, the communications module may be logicallycoupled, via a wire or other harness, to the utility revenue meter 408.Alternatively, the communications module may transmit a wireless signalvia cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth®, Zigbee, or other wirelesscommunications protocol to a remote receiver unit, and ultimately acomputer server, workstation, tablet, laptop, handheld or other device.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example circuit diagram of an interconnectionmeter socket adapter with a line-side configuration. As illustrated, twophase wires (typically energized at 240 volts) couple the power grid 520to the user 521 via a distribution service panel 506. Further, theconnector assembly 505, which may be coupled to an energy source or anenergy sink, is coupled to the interconnection meter socket adapter 500.In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, the connector 505 couples tothe power grid side (i.e., the line side) of the interconnection metersocket adapter 500, in contrast to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2Bin which the connector 205 couples to the user (load) side ofinterconnection meter socket adapter 200. As illustrated in FIG. 5, aset of electrical connections are disposed within the housing ofinterconnection meter socket adapter 500, wherein an input side of theset of electrical connections electrically couples an input side of thedistribution service panel 506 to a utility (grid) side of the utilityrevenue meter 507 in parallel, and an output side of the set ofelectrical connections electrically couples an output side of thedistribution service panel 506 to a customer side of the utility revenuemeter 507 in parallel.

Still referring to FIG. 5, interconnection meter socket adapter 500 isplugged into the distribution panel 506 thereby making connections tothe incoming wires from the power grid 520. In various embodiments, suchconnections are established by fitting a set of jaw blades of theinterconnection meter socket adapter 500 into the corresponding contactclips in the distribution service panel 506. The utility revenue meter507 is plugged into the interconnection meter socket adapter 500 therebymaking connections to the incoming wires from a power grid 520 and theuser 521 as well as the connector 505. In various embodiments, suchconnections are established by fitting a set of jaw blades on utilityrevenue meter 507 into corresponding contact clips in theinterconnection meter socket adapter 500.

When installed, the set of electrical connections permit an energysource and/or an energy sink to be installed in parallel with a usersuch that no permanent change or upgrade is required in the distributionpanel. In various embodiments, the connector assembly 505 may include aflexible cable or flexible conduit containing insulated conductorsserving as an interface for a renewable energy source (e.g., a solarinverter, or other renewable energy source as disclosed herein), orenergy sink (i.e., energy storage or other).

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example installation of aninterconnection meter socket adapter for an electrical sink (e.g.,Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment, or EVSE). In the illustrated example,the customer loads 109 are coupled to the power system distribution grid101. As illustrated, the interconnection meter socket adapter 602 isinstalled between the utility revenue meter 608 and the customer loads109, for example, by way of a distribution panel (not shown). Theinterconnection meter socket adapter 602 may include a breaker 604, andmay couple through a power regulation module 606 to an energy sink 611.For example, energy sink 611 may be EVSE, a stationary “whole house”battery, or other energy sink (load) as would be understood in the art.

Still referring to FIG. 6, the power regulation module 606 may beconfigured to regulate power flow to the energy sink 611. For example,power regulation module 606 may include a switch to disconnect power tothe energy sink 611. Alternatively (or in addition to the switch), powerregulation module 606 may incorporate a limiter, or other powerregulation means as known in the art, to selectively reduce or increase(modulate) power flow to energy sink 611. Power regulation module 606may communicate with utility revenue meter 608 via a wireless or wiredcommunications link 612. A similar power regulation module 406 may beincluded in the configuration discussed with respect to FIG. 4

In some examples, power regulation module 606 may include a measurementmodule configured to measure net power flow through the interconnectionmeter socket. For example, the measurement module may be a voltage andcurrent meter, or other power measurement device as known in the art.The measurement module may also include a processor and a memory tostore power measurements, and store a predetermined threshold value(e.g., based on a maximum net power flow based on the rating of thecustomer's main panel). For example, the threshold may be between 70%and 90% of a main panel rating.

The measurement module may further incorporate a communications module(e.g., hard wired, cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth®, Zigbee, or otherwireless protocol as known in the art). In some examples, when the netpower usage measured by the measurement module exceeds the thresholdvalue, the measurement module may transmit a suspend signal through thecommunications module. The suspend signal may then be received by thepower regulation module 606 to reduce or suspend power flow to energysink 611. For example, power regulation module 606 may open theconnection between the interconnection meter socket adapter 602 and theenergy sink 611. When net power flow reduces over time (for example, thepower draw by the customer loads 109), such that it falls below asecond, lower threshold value, the measurement module may transmit aresume signal through the communications module. The power regulationmodule 606 may then receive the resume power flow signal to the energysink 611 (for example, by restoring the connection). By regulating powerin this way, the interconnection meter socket adapter 602 may avoidexceeding allowable NEC equipment ratings when operating electricalappliances at the same time as, for example, charging an electricvehicle battery while also running air conditioning or one or more othermajor appliances.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example installation of aninterconnection meter socket adapter providing telemetered data fromrenewable distribution resources. In the illustrated example, thecustomer loads 109 are coupled to the power system distribution grid101. As illustrated, the interconnection meter socket adapter 702 iselectrically installed between the utility revenue meter 708 and thecustomer loads 109, for example, by way of a distribution panel (notshown). The interconnection meter socket adapter 702 may include abreaker 704, and may couple through a power regulation module 706 to anet-metering measurement module 711, which may in turn, couple to anenergy source. For example, the energy source may be a renewable energysource, such as a solar panel (or set of panels) and inverter(s), anet-metering measurement module electrically coupled to the connectorand configured to measure power produced by the renewable energy powersource. Power regulation module 706 may communicate with utility revenuemeter 708 via a wireless or wired communications link 712.

The net-metering measurement module may include a communications moduleconfigured to transmit a data set indicating a measurement of powerproduced by the renewable energy power source to a receiving unit. Forexample, the receiving unit may be installed at the utility company tofacilitate measurements and energy production (generation) statisticsthat may be used for purchased power agreement transactions and forother purposes. Similarly, the received measurement data may be used forresource planning, or to alert customers of power generation performanceissues involving the customer's renewable energy source. Thecommunication module may include a cellular, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, orBluetooth® transmitter, or other wireless technology as known in theart.

As discussed above with respect to FIGS. 6 and 7, the power regulationmodule in various embodiments may be configured to manage powerconsumption by energy sinks. FIG. 8 illustrates an example method ofmanaging power consumption by an energy sink (e.g., an electric vehicleor stationary battery). At 810, the power consumption by user loads ismeasured. In various embodiments, the power consumption of the userloads may be measured by the interconnection meter socket adapter, andthe information communicated to the power regulation module. Where smartloads are present, the power regulation module may obtain the powerconsumption of each smart load over a wired or wireless communicationlink.

At 820, the power consumption of an energy sink connected to the powerregulation module is measured. In various embodiments, the energy sinkmay be an electric vehicle connected to the power regulation module. Asdiscussed above, the power regulation module may include a measurementmodule configured to measure power drawn by the connected energy sink.

At 830, a threshold power consumption value is determined. In general,net power consumption at the user's location should stay below 80% ofthe main panel rating. For example, where the main panel is rated for200 Amps, consumption at the user (from all user loads and energy sinks)should remain at below 160 Amps. In various embodiments, the main panelrating may be obtained from the meter, and a threshold power consumptionvalue may be determined. In other embodiments, the power regulationmodule may include a memory storing a predetermined threshold based onthe main panel rating. The threshold may be between 70% and 90% of amain panel rating in various embodiments.

At 840, the overall net power consumption is compared against thethreshold. If the threshold is not exceeded, no action need be taken toreduce the power consumption by the user. In such cases, the method willreturn to 810 and continue monitoring the overall power consumption bythe user. Where the threshold is exceeded, the overall power consumptionis reduced at 850. In various embodiments, the overall power consumptionmay be reduced by disconnecting the energy sink coupled through thepower regulation module. In other embodiments, a limiter or other powerregulation component may be used by the power regulation module tomodulate or throttle the power consumption of the energy sink. Wheresmart loads are present, the power regulation module may send a powerreduction signal to the smart loads to reduce the overall powerconsumption.

In some embodiments, a device attached to the power regulation modulemay be both an energy source and an energy sink, depending on thesituation. Such an example device is a storage battery, which may bothstore energy derived from the power grid, and also discharge the storedenergy when necessary. In such embodiments, the power regulation modulemay be configured to manage when a battery should be in a charging mode,and when the stored energy should be distributed. FIG. 9 illustrates anexample method of managing power interaction with a combined energysource/sink in accordance with embodiments of the technology disclosedherein. At 910, the current energy storage state of the storage batteryis identified. The power regulation module may use an energy or powermeasurement device to measure and track the amount of energy stored inthe storage battery in various embodiments.

If no energy is stored in the storage battery, or if the battery is notfully charged to maximum capacity, the power regulation module maydetermine at 930 whether a threshold of total power consumption isexceeded by charging further. The determination of whether a thresholdis exceeded may be made similar to the method discussed with respect toFIG. 8. If the threshold has not been exceeded, the power regulationmodule may couple the storage battery to the power grid for charging at940. If the threshold has been exceeded, the power regulation module maydisconnect the storage battery at 950, so that the storage battery doesnot overload the distribution panel. In some embodiments, a battery maybe coordinated with an energy sink and net consumption to allow powerflow at higher values to the energy sink, while keeping net power flowbelow the pre-determined value.

If the storage battery is partially or fully charged at 920, the powerregulation module may determine whether to discharge the storage batteryat 960. This determination may be made in accordance with the energyexchange method discussed with respect to FIGS. 11, 12, and 13.

The power management may vary based on the size of the distributionpanel in which the interconnection meter socket adapter is installed.The interconnection meter socket adapter is applicable to any sized,non-current transformer (i.e., self-contained meter), distributionpanel. For example, the interconnection meter socket adapter may beimplemented in a distribution panel with ratings of 400 Amps or less.For current transformer panels the interconnection meter socket adapteris not applicable, as all of the current drawn by the user does not flowthrough the meter.

Until this point, the different installations of the interconnectionmeter socket adapter have been discussed with respect to a single energysource or energy sink connected through a power regulation module. Invarious embodiments, the power regulation module may be configured toenable multiple energy sources, energy sinks, or a combination thereofto be physically connected to the power regulation module, but onlyselectively connected to or servicing the power grid. FIG. 10 is adiagram illustrating an example installation of an interconnection metersocket adapter with a power regulation module connecting multiple energysources and sinks, in accordance with embodiments of the presentdisclosure. As illustrated, a modified power regulation module 1030 mayinclude multiple connections enabling one or more energy sources, sinks,or a combination of both to be coupled to the power regulation module1030. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, a renewable energysource and an electrical sink (e.g., EVSE) are coupled to the powerregulation module 1030. In various embodiments, each connection in thepower regulation module 1030 may have a disconnect or other meansdisposed in the circuitry from the connected energy source or sink tothe interconnect socket adapter 1002. In some embodiments, the switchmay be an automatic transfer switch. In some embodiments, the powerregulation module 1030 may include a net-metering measurement module,similar to the net-metering measurement module 711 discussed withrespect to FIG. 7.

Referring still to FIG. 10, power regulation module 1030 may include ameasurement module and a communication module, similar to the modulesdiscussed above with respect to FIG. 6. The measurement module (e.g.,voltage meter, current meter, or other known power measurement device)may measure the amount of power consumption through the power regulationmodule 1030 and, where a net-metering measurement module is alsoincluded, the net power consumption. In various embodiments, the powerregulation module 1030 may communicate with utility revenue meter 1008via a wireless or wired communications link 1012, such that the powerregulation module 1030 may know the net amount of power being consumedby the other user loads 1009. With this information, the powerregulation module 1030 may determine how to manage the connected energysources and/or sinks. In various embodiments, the power regulationmodule 1030 may determine to disconnect each of the energy sourcesand/or sinks where the power regulation module 1030 determines that thetotal power consumption through the distribution panel (not shown) isover 80% of the rated limit of the distribution panel. For example, foran interconnect meter socket adapter 1002 installed in a 200 Amp-rateddistribution panel, the power regulation module 1030 may determine todisconnect all energy sinks when the power demand rises above 160 Amps.In this way, the power regulation module 1030 may avoid a useroverloading the distribution panel by drawing too much power from thepower grid 1001. In various embodiments, instead of simply disconnectingenergy sources or sinks, the power regulation module 1030 may modulatethe power flow to ensure that an overload situation is avoided. Forexample, a user's electric vehicle may be charged at full capacitywithout overloading the distribution panel, by having the powerregulation module act to supply all or some of that power demand byreleasing energy from a stationary battery on the premise. Such a schemewould provide more rapid EV charging while avoiding the need to upgradethe distribution panel.

In various embodiments, some or all of the user loads 1009 may beso-called “smart loads”, having measurement, processing andcommunication components. Where such smart loads are included, the powerregulation module 1030 may be further configured to communicate with thesmart load subset of the user loads 1009. In this way, the powerregulation module 1030 may obtain additional information about powerconsumption by user loads relevant for determining how to manage theconnection of one or more sources or sinks through the power regulationmodule 1030. Power regulation module 1030 may communicate with suchsmart loads over wired or wireless communication link(s) 1012, oranother wired or wireless communications link. In various embodiments,the power regulation module 1030 may be able to send a power consumptionreduction signal to the smart loads to further ensure that thedistribution panel is not overloaded. Further, the power regulationmodule 1030 may send a dispatch signal to the renewable energy source,to adjust the reactive power flow to help limit net current, whileavoiding the need to reduce real power flow.

Implementing embodiments disclosed herein may enable the creation of anenergy exchange system, e.g., an energy market whereby utilities mayenable consumers to provide excess generated and/or stored energy backto the grid. FIG. 11 illustrates an energy exchange system forcontrolling consumer-based energy consumption or production based onmarket supply and demand. For example, an energy exchange server (EXS)1110 may communicate, via Internet, wireless, telephone, or othernetwork data communication channels known in the art, with real-timeenergy pricing database 1118, a plurality of consumer service meters1142, and one or more energy exchange controllers 1160. The EXS 1110 mayinclude multiple components configured to evaluate energy market forces,such as supply and demand, to determine market equilibrium pricingthresholds.

For example, EXS 1110 may include a demand engine 1112 configured toreceive data from consumer service (utility revenue) meters 1142 and1152 (in some cases, via an energy exchange controller 1160), or fromother data metering locations on power grid 1120, to determine averageaggregate electricity demand over a present time frame. Demand engine1112 may also receive environmental parameters, such as currenttemperature, forecast temperature, forecast weather, time of day, orother environmental parameters that may affect consumer demand toestimate fluctuations in demand within the present time period, or infuture time periods. In some examples, demand engine 1112 may useempirical historical energy demand data stored in the real-time energypricing database 1118, or available from other sources.

EXS 1110 may also include a supply engine 1114 configured to receivedata from consumer service meters 1142 and 1152 (in some cases, via anenergy exchange controller 1160), from other data metering locations onpower grid 1120, and from energy production facilities, to determineaverage aggregate electricity supply over the present time frame. Supplyengine 1112 may also receive environmental parameters, such as time ofday, weather conditions (i.e., that may affect solar or wind powerproduction), maintenance and availability of energy productionfacilities, fuel availability and pricing, or other environmentalparameters that may affect energy supply, and to estimate fluctuationsin supply within the present time period, or in future time periods. Insome examples, supply engine 1112 may use empirical historical energysupply data stored in real-time energy pricing database 1118, oravailable from other sources.

EXS 1110 may also include a pricing engine 1116 configured to calculatea current energy price for the present time period. For example, pricingengine 1116 may receive a starting energy price from real-time energypricing database 1118, an energy demand data set from demand engine1112, and an energy supply data set from energy supply engine 1114.Pricing engine 1116 may then calculate a current energy price as afunction of the starting energy price, energy demand data set, andenergy supply data set by calculating an equilibrium instantaneous pricepoint, as well as an estimated equilibrium price range over the courseof the present time period. For example, the time period may be measuredin minutes, hours, days, or other useful time frames. EXS 1110 mayfurther be configured to send the current energy price to energyexchange controller 1160.

In some examples, EXS 1110 may use a current energy price entered intothe system manually or collected from public data sources, such aspublic markets and financial exchanges. In such examples, EXS 1110 wouldnot require additional components (e.g., demand engine 1112, supplyengine 1114, or pricing engine 1116) to determine the current energyprice, from other data metering locations on power grid 1120, and fromenergy production facilities, to determine average aggregate electricitysupply over the present time frame. Supply engine 1112 may also receiveenvironmental parameters, such as time of day, weather conditions (i.e.,that may affect solar or wind power production), maintenance andavailability of energy production facilities, fuel availability andpricing, or other environmental parameters that may affect energysupply, and to estimate fluctuations in supply within the present timeperiod, or in future time periods. In some examples, supply engine 1112may use empirical historical energy supply data stored in real-timeenergy pricing database 1118, or available from other sources.

In some embodiments, demand engine 1112, supply engine 1114, and pricingengine 1116 may include a computer processor and a non-transitorycomputer readable media with software embedded thereon, wherein thesoftware is configured to perform the functions of the demand engine,supply engine, or pricing engine, as disclosed herein.

Still referring to FIG. 11, consumers may receive, and in some cases,contribute energy to power grid 1120. For example, some consumers willreceive energy through service meters 1142 and service panels 1144 tosupply energy to loads 1146. For example, load 1146 may include standardhousehold appliances, lights, electric vehicle batteries, stationarybatteries, or other energy sinks as known in the art.

Some consumers may have equipment configured to interact with the EXS.For example, some consumers may receive power through meter 1152 andservice panel 1154, wherein meter 1152 is configured to communicate withan energy exchange controller 1160. Energy exchange controller 1160 mayinclude a computer processor and a non-transitory computer readablemedia with energy exchange control software embedded thereon, the energyexchange control software configured to receive a current energy pricefrom EXS 1110, threshold parameters from user interface 1170, or fromanother data source, and regulate local power sources and sinks tomanage energy exchange with power grid 1120. For example, if the currentenergy price exceed a predetermined threshold value, energy exchangecontroller 1160 may alert a user through user interface 1170, or sendpower consumption reduction signals to certain smart loads 1158, toreduce overall power consumption and allow power produced by theconsumer via power source 1162 (e.g., solar power, wind power,geothermal power, generator, etc.) to flow out onto power grid 1120. Inreturn, the consumer may be compensated at the current energy price foreach unit of energy and/or power sold back to the power grid 1120.

In some examples, smart loads 1158 may include smart appliances capableof turning off or reducing power consumption in response to a powerconsumption reduction signal from the energy exchange controller 1160.The power consumption reduction signal may be transmitted via a LAN,wireless, cellular, Ethernet-over-power, or other known communicationchannel. In some examples, smart loads 1158 may include a smart poweradapter located between the service panel 1154 and an appliance, orother energy load. For example, a smart power adapter may plug into awall outlet, and include a receptacle (or multiple receptacles) toaccept connections from an appliance or appliances. The smart poweradapter may turn power on or off, or otherwise regulate power, inresponse to power consumption reduction signals sent by energy exchangecontroller 1160.

In some embodiments, an energy storage device may also be included on aconsumer power network. The energy storage device (e.g., a stationarybattery, an electric vehicle battery, or other energy storage system)may be configured to respond to signals from the energy exchangecontroller 1160 to either enter a sink mode when energy prices are lower(e.g., to store energy and recharge), and enter a source mode whenenergy prices are higher (e.g., to sell power back out onto the powergrid 1120, or to supplement local power demand to avoid purchasing powerfrom power grid 1120 when prices are higher, or to avoid overloading adistribution panel).

In some embodiments, service panel 1154 includes an interconnect socketadapter as disclosed herein, and the interconnect socket adapter couplesto disconnect 1164, which may be coupled to energy source 1162, energystorage 1166, or both.

FIG. 12 illustrates a process for determining current energy pricingbased on supply and demand. For example, a process for determiningcurrent energy pricing may include receiving a starting energy price atstep 1205. For example, the starting energy price may be received from areal-time energy pricing database, a user input, or from a public datasource. The process may further include receiving current energycapacity (i.e., supply) and current energy load (e.g., demand) at steps1210 and 1215 respectively. In some examples, the current energycapacity may be an average aggregate energy supply over a present timeperiod across a local region of the power grid, and the demand may be anaverage aggregate energy demand over a present time period across aplurality of consumers within the local region of the power grid. Theprocess may further include receiving a set of environmental variablesat step 1220. For example, environmental parameters may represent thetime-of-day, season, current weather, forecast weather, current marketconditions or prices for fuels such as natural gas, coal, oil, ornuclear, power plant maintenance or availability data, or otherparameters that could affect supply or demand.

Still referring to FIG. 12, a process for determining current energypricing may further include calculating an estimated near term energysupply and demand delta as a function of supply, demand, andenvironmental parameters at step 1225. The process may further includeupdating a current energy price in the real-time energy pricing database(1118 in FIG. 11) as a function of the near term energy supply anddemand delta and transmitting the current energy price to one or moreenergy exchange controllers at steps 1230 and 1235, respectively. Insome embodiments, the process may further include estimating futureenergy prices based on the current energy price and environmentalparameters or calculated pricing trends.

FIG. 13 illustrates a process for controlling power consumptionaccording to current price. A process for controlling power consumptionmay include receiving the current energy price at step 1305. Forexample, the current energy price may be calculated on an EXS accordingto embodiments disclosed herein, and may be set for a present timeperiod. In some embodiments, the process may further include receivingfurther estimated energy prices.

A process for controlling power consumption may further includereceiving an energy threshold price at step 1310. For example, theenergy threshold price may be manually entered by a user through a userinterface, may be predefined in an energy exchange controller, or may betransmitted from a central location, such as the EXS. The process maythen include evaluating, by the energy exchange controller, whether thecurrent energy price exceeds the energy price threshold at step 1315. Ifthe threshold is not exceeded, the process may repeat, eithercontinuously, or at predefined intervals. However, if the threshold isexceeded, the process may include transmitting an energy consumptionreduction signal within a local consumer power network at step 1320. Forexample, the energy exchange controller may transmit the demandreduction signal to one or more smart loads.

In some examples, the demand reduction signal may be sent to a userinterface to alert a user to turn off appliances or generally reducepower consumption. In some examples, the demand reduction signal mayalso be sent to an energy storage device to change the mode of theenergy storage device to a source mode. A result of any of thesereductions in demand or increases in production on the consumer's localpower network will either be to reduce overall power demand, and thusreduce the consumer's energy costs, or may also put the consumer'sproduction (i.e., as generated from renewable energy sources,generators, or from an energy storage device) back onto the power gridin return for compensation to the consumer at the current, relativelyhigh energy unit price.

Still referring to FIG. 13, a process for controlling power consumptionmay further include evaluating whether the current energy price hasfallen below the energy price threshold at step 1325. In some cases,this may be a separately defined energy price threshold than thethreshold discussed with respect to steps 1315 and 1320. If the currentenergy price falls below the energy price threshold at step 1325, thenthe process may include transmitting a demand restoration signal at step1330. For example, the demand restoration signal may be sent to a userinterface to alert the user that appliances may be turned back on, EVcharged, etc. The signal may also be sent to smart loads to re-enabledemand automatically. In some examples, the signal may also be sent toan energy storage device to configure the energy storage device to sink(recharge) mode such that the device will store energy collected fromthe power grid at relatively low prices, for later use.

As used herein, the term module might describe a given unit offunctionality that can be performed in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the technology disclosed herein. As used herein, a modulemight be implemented utilizing any form of hardware, software, or acombination thereof. For example, one or more processors, controllers,ASICs, PLAs, PALs, CPLDs, FPGAs, logical components, software routinesor other mechanisms might be implemented to make up a module. Inimplementation, the various modules described herein might beimplemented as discrete modules or the functions and features describedcan be shared in part or in total among one or more modules. In otherwords, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art afterreading this description, the various features and functionalitydescribed herein may be implemented in any given application and can beimplemented in one or more separate or shared modules in variouscombinations and permutations. Even though various features or elementsof functionality may be individually described or claimed as separatemodules, one of ordinary skill in the art will understand that thesefeatures and functionality can be shared among one or more commonsoftware and hardware elements, and such description shall not requireor imply that physically or electrically separate hardware or softwarecomponents are used to implement such features or functionality.

Where components or modules of the technology are implemented in wholeor in part using software, in one embodiment, these software elementscan be implemented to operate with a computing or processing modulecapable of carrying out the functionality described with respectthereto. One such example computing module is shown in FIG. 14. Variousembodiments are described in terms of this example-computing module1400. After reading this description, it will become apparent to aperson skilled in the relevant art how to implement the technology usingother computing modules or architectures.

Referring now to FIG. 14, computing module 1400 may represent, forexample, computing or processing capabilities found within desktop,laptop and notebook computers; hand-held computing devices (PDA's, smartphones, cell phones, palmtops, etc.); mainframes, supercomputers,workstations or servers; or any other type of special-purpose orgeneral-purpose computing devices as may be desirable or appropriate fora given application or environment. Computing module 1400 might alsorepresent computing capabilities embedded within or otherwise availableto a given device. For example, a computing module might be found inother electronic devices such as, for example, digital cameras,navigation systems, cellular telephones, portable computing devices,modems, routers, WAPs, terminals and other electronic devices that mightinclude some form of processing capability.

Computing module 1400 might include, for example, one or moreprocessors, controllers, control modules, or other processing devices,such as a processor 1404. Processor 1404 might be implemented using ageneral-purpose or special-purpose processing engine such as, forexample, a microprocessor, controller, or other control logic. In theillustrated example, processor 1404 is connected to a data bus 1402,although any communication medium can be used to facilitate interactionwith other components of computing module 1400 or to communicateexternally.

Computing module 1400 might also include one or more memory modules,simply referred to herein as main memory 1408. For example, preferablyrandom access memory (RAM) or other dynamic memory, might be used forstoring information and instructions to be executed by processor 1404.Main memory 1408 might also be used for storing temporary variables orother intermediate information during execution of instructions to beexecuted by processor 1404. Computing module 1400 might likewise includea read only memory (“ROM”) or other static storage device coupled to bus1402 for storing static information and instructions for processor 1404.

The computing module 1400 might also include one or more various formsof information storage mechanism 1410, which might include, for example,a media drive 1412 and a storage unit interface 1420. The media drive1412 might include a drive or other mechanism to support fixed orremovable storage media 1414. For example, a hard disk drive, a floppydisk drive, a magnetic tape drive, an optical disk drive, a CD or DVDdrive (R or RW), or other removable or fixed media drive might beprovided. Accordingly, storage media 1414 might include, for example, ahard disk, a floppy disk, magnetic tape, cartridge, optical disk, a CDor DVD, or other fixed or removable medium that is read by, written toor accessed by media drive 1412. As these examples illustrate, thestorage media 1414 can include a computer usable storage medium havingstored therein computer software or data.

In alternative embodiments, information storage mechanism 1410 mightinclude other similar instrumentalities for allowing computer programsor other instructions or data to be loaded into computing module 1400.Such instrumentalities might include, for example, a fixed or removablestorage unit 1422 and an interface 1420. Examples of such storage units1422 and interfaces 1420 can include a program cartridge and cartridgeinterface, a removable memory (for example, a flash memory or otherremovable memory module) and memory slot, a PCMCIA slot and card, andother fixed or removable storage units 1422 and interfaces 1420 thatallow software and data to be transferred from the storage unit 1422 tocomputing module 1400.

Computing module 1400 might also include a communications interface1424. Communications interface 1424 might be used to allow software anddata to be transferred between computing module 1400 and externaldevices. Examples of communications interface 1424 might include a modemor softmodem, a network interface (such as an Ethernet, networkinterface card, WiMedia, IEEE 802.XX or other interface), acommunications port (such as for example, a USB port, IR port, RS232port Bluetooth® interface, or other port), or other communicationsinterface. Software and data transferred via communications interface1424 might typically be carried on signals, which can be electronic,electromagnetic (which includes optical) or other signals capable ofbeing exchanged by a given communications interface 1424. These signalsmight be provided to communications interface 1424 via a channel 1428.This channel 1428 might carry signals and might be implemented using awired or wireless communication medium. Some examples of a channel mightinclude a phone line, a cellular link, an RF link, an optical link, anetwork interface, a local or wide area network, and other wired orwireless communications channels.

In this document, the terms “computer program medium” and “computerusable medium” are used to generally refer to media such as, forexample, memory 1408, storage unit 1420, media 1414, and channel 1428.These and other various forms of computer program media or computerusable media may be involved in carrying one or more sequences of one ormore instructions to a processing device for execution. Suchinstructions embodied on the medium, are generally referred to as“computer program code” or a “computer program product” (which may begrouped in the form of computer programs or other groupings). Whenexecuted, such instructions might enable the computing module 1400 toperform features or functions of the disclosed technology as discussedherein.

While various embodiments of the disclosed technology have beendescribed above, it should be understood that they have been presentedby way of example only, and not of limitation. Likewise, the variousdiagrams may depict an example architectural or other configuration forthe disclosed technology, which is done to aid in understanding thefeatures and functionality that can be included in the disclosedtechnology. The disclosed technology is not restricted to theillustrated example architectures or configurations, but the desiredfeatures can be implemented using a variety of alternative architecturesand configurations. Indeed, it will be apparent to one of skill in theart how alternative functional, logical or physical partitioning andconfigurations can be implemented to implement the desired features ofthe technology disclosed herein. Also, a multitude of differentconstituent module names other than those depicted herein can be appliedto the various partitions. Additionally, with regard to flow diagrams,operational descriptions and method claims, the order in which the stepsare presented herein shall not mandate that various embodiments beimplemented to perform the recited functionality in the same orderunless the context dictates otherwise.

Although the disclosed technology is described above in terms of variousexemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood thatthe various features, aspects and functionality described in one or moreof the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability tothe particular embodiment with which they are described, but instead canbe applied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more of theother embodiments of the disclosed technology, whether or not suchembodiments are described and whether or not such features are presentedas being a part of a described embodiment. Thus, the breadth and scopeof the technology disclosed herein should not be limited by any of theabove-described exemplary embodiments.

Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unlessotherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposedto limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term “including” shouldbe read as meaning “including, without limitation” or the like; the term“example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item indiscussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; the terms “a” or“an” should be read as meaning “at least one,” “one or more” or thelike; and adjectives such as “conventional,” “traditional,” “normal,”“standard,” “known” and terms of similar meaning should not be construedas limiting the item described to a given time period or to an itemavailable as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompassconventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may beavailable or known now or at any time in the future. Likewise, wherethis document refers to technologies that would be apparent or known toone of ordinary skill in the art, such technologies encompass thoseapparent or known to the skilled artisan now or at any time in thefuture.

The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one or more,” “atleast,” “but not limited to” or other like phrases in some instancesshall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or requiredin instances where such broadening phrases may be absent. The use of theterm “module” does not imply that the components or functionalitydescribed or claimed as part of the module are all configured in acommon package. Indeed, any or all of the various components of amodule, whether control logic or other components, can be combined in asingle package or separately maintained and can further be distributedin multiple groupings or packages or across multiple locations.

Additionally, the various embodiments set forth herein are described interms of exemplary block diagrams, flow charts and other illustrations.As will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art afterreading this document, the illustrated embodiments and their variousalternatives can be implemented without confinement to the illustratedexamples. For example, block diagrams and their accompanying descriptionshould not be construed as mandating a particular architecture orconfiguration.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of managing power interaction with acombined energy source/sink, the method comprising: identifying acurrent energy storage state of the combined energy source/sink;tracking an amount of energy stored in the combined energy source/sink;determining whether a threshold power consumption value is exceeded byfurther charging, wherein determining the threshold power consumptionvalue comprises identifying a panel rating from a meter to which aninterconnect socket adapter is connected and setting the threshold powerconsumption value to a power amount within 70% and 90% of the panelrating of the meter to which the interconnect socket adapter isconnected; and disconnecting the combined energy source/sink if thethreshold power consumption is exceeded by further charging.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the combined energy source/sink comprises astorage battery.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the steps ofidentifying a current energy storage state of the combined energysource/sink, tracking an amount of energy stored in the combined energysource/sink, and determining whether a threshold of total powerconsumption is exceeded by further charging are performed by ameasurement module.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the measurementmodule comprises a voltage meter.
 5. The method of claim 3, wherein themeasurement module comprises a communications module comprisingelectronic circuitry configured to enable wireless communication.
 6. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the power regulation module comprises adisconnect switch.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the powerregulation module comprises a current limiter.
 8. The method of claim 1,wherein the threshold power consumption value comprises a power amountabout 80% of the panel rating.